OROQUIETA CITY, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, 18 September 2019 --- The Government Internship Program (GIP) of Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office-X (DOLE-X) through the Provincial Field Office (PFO) of Misamis Occidental (Mis. Occ.) made an impact on the life of Hector L. Fernandez, Jr. who was hired as regular employee in the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jimenez on 21 February 2019, after internship for six months at the same office.

Fernandez showed zeal and enthusiasm to work in government after unsuccessfulcareer overseas. His opportunity to work under the GIP program on May 2 to October 28, 2017 was a perfect timing. He said, “At first nang-apply ko kapila sa munisipyo pero mubalibad sila kay wala daw bakante. Nakasulod dayon ko as GIP na assigned in Public Employment Service Office (PESO) then tungod ato na-absorb ko as Job Order hangtod gikaluy-an ko na dawat ko as regular employee (At first, I applied how many times at the municipality but they keep on declining for the reason that there is no vacancy. I was then hired as GIP under DOLE assigned in PESO then because of that, I was absorbed as a Job Order until I was luckily hired as a regular employee).”

As an intern, Fernandez demonstrated impressive performance as evaluator for the Special Program of Employment of Students (SPES). Currently, he is designated as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Assistant I detailed in PESO which was headed by the PESO Manager Arnulfo G. Guimalan who described Fernandez as passionate in his work, “His talents and skills are what the government looks for in an employee. He is eager to learn new things and he always works with an extra mile. Aside from that, he is already familiar on the work procedures.”

The 26-year old resident of Jimenez of the province and the eldest of four siblings, strived to do his best so his father can finally go home from his stressful work abroad and be with their family considering that he is getting old. “My father has been an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for 26 years now. He tirelessly supports us and makes sure we are living a comfortable life. It is about time that I repay him by supporting our family so he can finally decide to come home,” Fernandez said.

He even recalled how the program helped his employability which enabled him to achieve success in his chosen field.

DOLE- X Mis. Occ. PFO Chief Leonardo G. Rodrigo gave his emphasis on GIP policy under Administrative Order No. 260-15 which aims to provide opportunities to young workers in demonstrating their talents and skills in public service as a takeoff point in pursuing career in government.

In conclusion, Fernandez said, “I will surely promote the program to other young people looking for work because government service is a good venue for diverse learning and of course, it could be the pathway to achieving goals and dreams. I am very thankful to DOLE GIP because I will not be here where I am today if not because of the program.”